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@redthefencer
Oh shit, you're alive! I think followed you when I started fencing back in 2013, and now that I've got a stable income and live in a major city, I'm looking at finding a club to get back into it after 7 years out of it. Glad to see you're still around and enjoying life! 💜
I thought I answered this, apologies!! Yay!! It feels weirdly great doesn't it? Like, "oh yeah. This is what my life was missing. Stabbing people legally." I'm so glad to hear you're still in it! 💚
What is the Russian box of death?
In case you didn't see it, the previous post explained it much better than I could. Essentially, Russians said, "We have an idea for sabre!" Everyone else said, "This is a bad idea, even for sabre."
(I will try to be smart and figure out how to link the post later.)
Was the Russian Box of Death for sabre fencers real? I took 2 years off from fencing during the time of the RBoD. And when I came back they'd reverted to the old ways once more. So I missed it. It kind of feels like a bad dream. I don't really acknowledge its existence because 1) i missed it and 2) why in the world would someone think this was a good idea? Why in the name of all things good and gay would you move sabre fencers CLOSER to each other??? Sometimes I feel like it was a practical joke my club was playing on me because wtf.
(This is an invitation to discuss this topic. It seems silly to me, but I'm ready to learn other points of view.)
so. the russians (who basically owned the fie at the time) did not like the korean style of fencing. specifically kim junghwan. they did not enjoy getting hit by a 4m lunge straight off the en garde line. so they proposed to make it shorter, because less distance in the middle directly benefits the russian style of fencing (very controlled, technical and precise). anyway it got trialled at like 1 junior world cup and immediately thrown out. it was objectively an awful idea
Thank you for explaining the "why" behind the Russian Box of Death!
For those of you wondering, "The hell is the RBD?" Simply put, instead of having sabre fencers starting with their front foot BEHIND the en garde line, they had them starting IN FRONT of the en garde line with their back foot touching it.
Yes, it was as bad as it sounds.
Things I Am Not Allowed to Do at Fencing #91
According to The Guy With The Hair, I am not allowed to volunteer for things if I'm going to regret volunteering later.
I was a part of a university fencing club for 3 years. I spent a lot of time designing this logo for them. It seems as soon as I left they redesigned it again. That kinda hurt but I want to share it here so it can endure. It's now the RedTheFencer fencing logo and no one can stop me.
I mean they can try but that would be really lame.
Was the Russian Box of Death for sabre fencers real? I took 2 years off from fencing during the time of the RBoD. And when I came back they'd reverted to the old ways once more. So I missed it. It kind of feels like a bad dream. I don't really acknowledge its existence because 1) i missed it and 2) why in the world would someone think this was a good idea? Why in the name of all things good and gay would you move sabre fencers CLOSER to each other??? Sometimes I feel like it was a practical joke my club was playing on me because wtf.
(This is an invitation to discuss this topic. It seems silly to me, but I'm ready to learn other points of view.)
Shit My Fencers Say #3
[at the end of a bout]
"Instead of shaking his hand, can I grab him by the shirt and make him give me his lunch money? Politely, of course."
Still better than sweaty handshake
@hatshepsut9 I want you to understand I've been out of fencing for 5 years. I forgot that covid probably affected fencing. So I've been watching some fencers do the "demure covid blade tap" in utter confusion. I was like, "Is chivalry dead? Shake my hand, dammit!" Like some medieval knight who was thrust into present times.
What was your first week of fencing like? I'm thinking of doing it in college and wondering what it'll be like physically and mentally as a beginner with only Google knowledge under my belt!
Oh jeez. This ask is 5 years old. But you know what, there are new fencers joining every day, so I'll answer it anyway!
I started fencing when I was 19, and I'm 31 now. I don't remember exactly what my first week was like, but since I spent some six (?) years in the collegiate fencing world, I can tell you a bit of what to expect.
If your college has a fencing club, they will most likely have a callout. They'll demonstrate the weapons and give you info on the club. Then, at least in the case of the two clubs I was involved in, they have a beginners class that lasts a few weeks (like once or twice a week maybe?). That class is for people who have never fenced before, so you don't have to worry if you don't know anything about fencing. You'll get to try out all three weapons, and at the end of the class, you can pick which one you want to fence. Sabre is obviously the best. Jk, they're all great. But I have to say that because I fence sabre.
After that you'll get to join regular practice with the rest of the club members.
Also most clubs supply gear to new members. There are dues usually (mine were usually $100-$150 per year. It sounds like a lot but it helps fund the club for competitions, buying new gear, doing fun things outside of fencing, etc).
Your legs will probably hurt after the first few practices. They'll get stronger, don't worry. You may feel slow or like you can't make the blade move fast enough. That will improve with time, don't worry.
Again, this is just my experience, but definitely join fencing. It's a great time.
Things I Am Not Allowed to Do at Fencing #90
I am not to team up with Foil Friend and sneak into the dorms to write, "The walls taste awful!" on The Guy With The Hair's RA's door.
Things I Am Not Allowed to Do at Fencing #89
The Guy With The Hair doesn't actually lick the walls. It is recommended that I stop saying that he does.
(Nearly a decade later, I'm finally getting back to finishing this list.)
Shit My Fencers Say #3
[at the end of a bout]
"Instead of shaking his hand, can I grab him by the shirt and make him give me his lunch money? Politely, of course."
people don’t understand how hard it is to be a fencer during the Halloween season. every time I go into a store I walk past costume swords and have to use every ounce of self control not to pick them up and get en garde.
...it has never occurred to me that maybe I shouldn't fence (and sometimes smack my friends) with the swords I find in the costume department.
Shit My Fencers Say #2
Me: "You need to practice using strategies other than Point In Line during practice bouts."
Student: "But I'm an annoying male sabre fencer!"
Do I regret teaching them PIL? Yeah, a bit.
req'd by @potsmania
this one's giving Far Side
text: I too love swords, but please stop fencing the cows
girls with swords are so cool. I hope a woman hits me with a sword today
just finished harrow the ninth and i feel sick but i fucking love ianthe
THINGS I AM NOT ALLOWED TO DO AT FENCING
It is strongly advised that I do not fall in love with another fencer in the club…
BUT I DID AND HE PROPOSED!!! :D
Rules are meant to be broken. And of course sabres, epees, and foils will be integrated into the wedding decorations.
Well. Fuck this because the bastard left me. Maybe don’t fall in love with another fencer.
Edit 2024:
Honestly, 5 years out, I'm happier than I've been in nearly a decade, and I'm divorced and in my early 30s. And I'd like to say, while I'm no longer so emotionally charged about things, it's okay to love people you fence with. It's okay to have healthy romantic relationships with them and get married if you so choose. But my advice, for any relationship, if I could sum it up in a few words, is listen to your heart, your gut, and those around you that know you well. If 1 out of 3 is giving you grief, pause and figure out why. If 2 or 3 are giving you grief, run. This is me being old(er) and telling you to do as I say, not as I do.
Stay safe, and protect your happiness, y'all!
